2025 Most Affordable Online Business Degrees in Ohio
Pursuing one of the most affordable online business degrees in Ohio offers a practical pathway to advancing your career in the field. Ohio’s universities provide a variety of online business bachelor's programs tailored to meet the needs of students balancing education with work and personal commitments.
- Central State University has the cheapest tuition on our list at $7,638.
- Franklin University is the most popular online school, with over 5,200 distance learners choosing to study only online.
- Walsh University has the best salary outcomes. Its online Bachelor of Business Administration results in median earnings for graduates of $63,958.
We identified Ohio’s most affordable online business degrees through meticulous tuition research to ensure accuracy. All schools are institutionally accredited and offer fully online business programs with transparent tuition details. Curious about our process? Check out our methodology.
2025 Most Affordable Online Business Degrees in Ohio
| Rank | School | Location | Annual Tuition | AACSB Accredited |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central State University | Wilberforce | $7,638 | No | |
| University of Northwestern Ohio | Lima | $8,400 | No | |
| Ohio University - Main Campus | Athens | $9,630 | Yes | |
| Shawnee State University | Portsmouth | $10,375 | No | |
| University of Toledo | Toledo | $10,593 | Yes | |
| Franklin University | Columbus | $11,940 | No | |
| Tiffin University | Tiffin | $12,720 | No | |
| Kent State University at Kent | Kent | $13,050 | Yes | |
| Ohio Christian University | Circleville | $13,500 | No | |
| Cleveland State University | Cleveland | $15,041 | Yes | |
| Walsh University | North Canton | $15,300 | No | |
| Ashland University | Ashland | $18,300 | No | |
| Malone University | Canton | $18,900 | No |
A Closer Look at Ohio’s Most Affordable Online Business Degrees
When exploring the most affordable online business degrees in Ohio, it’s essential to consider more than just tuition costs. Programs vary significantly in their offerings, outcomes, and flexibility, and understanding these differences helps you choose the best fit for your career and lifestyle goals. Let’s break it down:
Tuition Costs vs. Earning Potential
If affordability is your priority, Central State University (CSU) tops the list with tuition at $7,638, making it an excellent entry point for budget-conscious students. However, CSU’s median graduate earnings of $34,012 might leave you considering programs with a higher return on investment. Compare this with Walsh University, where tuition is $15,300, but graduates report the highest median earnings of $63,958 — a strong indication of long-term financial benefits.
Finding Your Fit
Your personal circumstances might call for a program with flexible learning formats or small class sizes. Ohio University (OU) offers asynchronous learning and three annual start dates, perfect for balancing work or family commitments. Meanwhile, Lees-McRae College stands out with a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, providing more individualized support — ideal if you value personalized attention during your online studies.
Student Success by the Numbers
Metrics like retention and graduation rates reveal how well schools support their students. University of Toledo (UT) combines affordability ($10,593) with high earning potential ($57,960), alongside a robust retention rate of 75%, reflecting strong student satisfaction. Conversely, while Ohio Christian University (OCU) is affordable at $13,500, its lower retention (61%) and graduation rates (34%) suggest potential challenges for students.
Why Specializations Matter
Specializations and experiential learning help differentiate you in competitive fields. Choosing a school with relevant concentrations and hands-on opportunities ensures you graduate with a career-ready skill set and a competitive edge. For entrepreneurial students, University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) offers unique concentrations like Automotive Management and Agribusiness, catering to niche industries. If leadership and innovation appeal to you, University of Toledo (UT) prepares students to launch ventures or lead initiatives through its BBA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Which Ohio Business School is Right for You?
Best for Budget: Central State University leads in affordability.
Top Earnings Potential: Walsh University delivers the highest graduate salaries.
Flexible Options: Ohio University’s asynchronous format supports busy schedules.
Specialized Learning: UNOH and Franklin University cater to niche and practical career paths.
By focusing on your career goals and priorities — whether it’s cost, flexibility, or future earnings — you’ll find the the best business online program to propel your business aspirations forward.
If you are still undecided whether business is the best fit, explore Ohio's best online colleges and search their unique offerings.
High Paying Careers for Online Business Degree Graduates in Ohio
Chief Executives
As a chief executive in Ohio, you’ll lead organizations across thriving industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. Whether driving innovation in Columbus or overseeing operations in Cleveland, your vision shapes your company’s future while contributing to the state’s economic growth.
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Overseeing employee rewards as a compensation and benefits manager, you design competitive pay structures and benefits packages. Your role ensures organizations attract and retain top talent while maintaining fairness.
Public Relations Managers
As a public relations manager in Ohio, you’ll craft compelling messages and build strong relationships to promote businesses and organizations across industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and education. Your efforts ensure your brand connects meaningfully with its audience.
Personal Financial Advisors
Advising clients as a personal financial advisor, you develop customized plans to help them save, invest, and achieve their financial goals. Your guidance brings clarity and confidence to their financial decisions.
We’ve sifted through to spotlight these top-paying business careers you can land with just a bachelor’s degree in business. These roles show how flexible and powerful a business degree can be, opening doors across a variety of industries. If you’re looking to go further, you can boost your prospects with certifications, hands-on experience, or even a graduate degree to reach your full potential.
EXPERT TIP
While it’s possible to become a chief executive with just a bachelor’s degree in business, competition for these roles is fierce, often requiring exceptional experience, networking, and industry expertise. Pursuing advanced education, such as an MBA, or specializing in fields like Finance or Strategy can provide a competitive edge. Many aspiring executives also benefit from leadership development programs and mentoring opportunities to refine their skills.
Final Thoughts
With 13 affordable schools offering online business degrees in Ohio, prospective students have access to a variety of cost-effective options tailored to diverse career goals. This affordability reflects Ohio’s commitment to accessible education, making it an appealing choice for students seeking quality programs that won’t lead to overwhelming debt.
Ohio is not only affordable for education but also an excellent place to pursue a business career. The state offers competitive salaries, with management occupations earning a mean annual wage of and business and financial operations occupations averaging annually. Ohio’s central location, strong manufacturing base, and growing industries in healthcare and technology make it an ideal environment for students to study and build their professional networks.
As you explore your options, consider our list above of Ohio’s most affordable business degrees to find a program that balances cost with the opportunity to thrive in one of the state’s many thriving industries. By collecting tuition data manually, we’ve ensured you have accurate insights to compare programs and choose the one that aligns best with your academic and financial priorities.
Student Reviews of Online Business Programs
I have had many issues and my school has been supportive. I have failed courses and was given a success coach to help me in my studies. The school itself has a family setting. The administration has been very helpful actively. I am grateful for having the opportunity to attend CTU. And if I had to choose another school I would still choose CTU first.
Review Date: 1/29/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am thrilled to be a student at Strayer! My educational experience has been amazing. All of my professors have been beyond helpful. Strayer strives to use different teaching tools and resources to keep its students engaged and focused on their goals.
Review Date: 11/21/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
In September of 2019 I decided it was time to use my G.I. Bill to attend college. I served in the Marines for 12 years 2001-2013 as a Supply Chief. The counselor instructed me to give him my SMART transcript so he could see how much of my military education would transfer over to UOP credits. To my surprise it was 50. With this information I started my my classes and never looked back. Out of high school I attended The University of Kansas and my curriculum was just as hard if not tougher in some... Read More
Review Date: 7/25/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Overall a good experience considering I am a full-time professional and father of two. I do not like that the graduation requirement is 180 credits and then you take your capstone course. Just say it takes 186 credits. Additionally, the capstone course should NOT be a team course. It has been very difficult to accept that I may not graduate with the GPA I would have earned on my own. Going through my program, working hard to be at a 3.97 and then have to rely on others to maintain that grade level... Read More
Review Date: 5/14/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Ozarka College's online program is a great place for people with not a lot of time on their hands, such as parents or someone who is working. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who needs to get to college but doesn't have the time but is willing to put in the investment. My instructors worked with me amazingly, and the administration was helpful 100% of the time.
Review Date: 2/8/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Penn foster is a great college but it is definitely a real college in saying that it means you will have to pay a tuition every semester and you will have to study really hard. The material is hard material but not impossible to make good grades if you put in the time and effort. Some people that left bad reviews are most likely disgruntled because they thought they could just get a degree without putting in hard work and without paying. You can go to penn foster for pennies compared to other colleges... Read More
Review Date: 12/12/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I love it. My student advisor is wonderful. She constantly checks up on me to see how I'm doing. The classes are very interactive too. I'm doing an online degree but the professors give me great feedback with my work. There are no surprises when it comes to grade. I definitely recommend this school.
Review Date: 11/15/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
So far I have experienced six classes with SNHU. I'm writing this review because of the reviews I have read where people complained about accessibility, when it comes to teachers, or when it comes to content. Accessibility is not an issue. Teachers always respond. And I have done schoolwork on a desktop, a laptop, a tablet, and a phone. The only content-restricting limitation I've ever experienced was with my phone. As far as accessibility is concerned, SNHU is fine. As far as the quality of education... Read More
Review Date: 3/3/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am a current learner at Capella University and I felt compelled to write a review after reading the negative comments. Although everyone's experience is different, some good and others bad, it really depends on the dedication and consistency of the student. In my experience I had medical complications and had to leave the school. When attempting to return two academic advisors guided me through every step until I was re-enrolled. They even took extra time to email and call me just to see how things... Read More
Review Date: 3/24/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I was enrolled in WGU, Business Administration with a focus in Human Resources about two years ago. The courses were tough, and my mentors were good. I was in the process of re-enrolling, but this process is so much more difficulty and time consuming. Financial aid is very unresponsive to phone calls and emails. They re-request information, thereby pushing your start date 30 days at a time. The first time around, I was able to start classes in 45 days. This time is was going to be 120 days. I have... Read More
Review Date: 10/6/2017
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Ashford online is a wonderful school to attend! I am a sophomore nearing my junior year, and have had some wonderful experiences with the staff, counselors and professors! Of course, every now and then, you are going to run into those that are not so attentive; however, the good overcomes the bad. Any time I have a financial situation, my financial advisor is always prompt in answering all my questions and getting the ball rolling. If I have something I don't understand, my professors have always... Read More
Review Date: 4/20/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I have had a great experience with LU. The eight week courses are great for anyone with a regular working schedule. It allows you to manage your work life and school life. I highly recommend Liberty University.The communication with the professors is excellent, and the online learning experience is great.
Review Date: 5/25/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Please before enrolling into this school be sure that all of your financial documents are completed. They are the f* worst. They are rude apologizing for nothing making you wait seven to ten business days for nothing!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish I never would have choose this school the instructors were not my problem it is the student financial services. I feel no student should be allowed to begin courses until their financial aid has cleared. Is this even a real place to receive a degree I wonder even.... Read More
Review Date: 8/4/2017
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: Yes
I was a transfer student and they accepted more of my credits than any other school I was considering. It's expensive, but cheaper than a lot of for-profit schools. The academics are on par with any other college. The 5-week terms are great if you want to get in and get out. My only complaints would be that my advisor changed several times and advising, scheduling and finance don't seem to communicate well. I ended up having to come out of pocket for my last 2 classes because nobody ever told me... Read More
Review Date: 11/18/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
As an actual student of Rasmussen College, I truly enjoyed my time with the college and look forward at going back sometime down the line. For me personally, I just want my Bachelor's degree to mean something. I know I have to start at the bottom, but I hope employers look at the degree as a supplement to my current experience to move me up when opportunities present themselves instead of being overlooked because I went to Rasmussen. All the for profit schools that are closing their doors are kind... Read More
Review Date: 1/5/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Excellent school. I have read some reviews speaking bad about SNHU and it poor online degrees, but if you look at all the major universities they are all going online. PSU has a masters that is online, Georgia Tech masters online, a ton of undergrad programs from top schools are online. The argument is flawed to say online is not a worthy degree otherwise it would have died out long ago. I highly recommend SNHU and other online programs from established accredited universities it is worth it.
Review Date: 1/7/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The Kelley School of Business is highly ranked and rightfully so. I had an amazing four years with so many opportunities to get involved around campus, volunteer in the community, and work in teams to address complex business cases. An added bonus to a great education at a reasonable cost: Bloomington being one of the most beautiful college town you'll see.
Review Date: 3/3/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
One of the major benefits of a business degree is its resourcefulness and application to the real world. A business degree can help to launching a career in several different industries. The University of Phoenix has given me the tools and opportunities in obtaining my goals. The school structure and pace was what I was looking for and needed, because I had a full-time job and was a parent. Time managing is the key to your success and the University of Phoenix flexible classes fitted within my everyday... Read More
Review Date: 9/26/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Park University was an excellent school to attend and would recommend it to future students of all ages and across the nation. This University was recommended to me by my father-in-law who graduated in 1994 to attend this school, he helped guide me through my college career path with this university. But it was the instructors that was very understanding, compassionate, and great motivators. If I had questions or concerns the teachers were readily available and were very helpful. The counselors at... Read More
Review Date: 6/13/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
My experience was top notch overall at WGU. I am a pretty self motivated individual, but there are times when I can also procrastinate. This probably describes most students, and I am definitely a blend. If it were not for the proactive, weekly progress calls with my student mentor, I don't think I would have been as successful at getting through my degree. She was awesome and provided excellent tips and advice.
Review Date: 9/15/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes